To allow individuals to live and age actively, societies have a responsibility to invest in conducive frameworks. Such investments can take place in the prevention and health care sectors, in education and labour markets. At the same time, citizens should be able to rely on a supportive infrastructure in case of real need and frailty.
The in-depth discussion on active ageing during the UNECE Working Group on Ageing in November 2011 and the incurring paper represent the UNECE contribution to this debate and pave the ground for further elaborations on the issue at the Ministerial Conference Ensuring a society for all ages: promoting quality of life and active ageing that takes place in Vienna, Austria, on 19-20 September 2012.